Hunting Regulations for Youth
Youth
Licence Requirements
You want to be out there chasing big game, not sweating the rules and regulations – but you’ve still got to get your licences sorted out before you head out into the field. The following are the basic licensing requirements for youth hunters in Alberta.
| Youth First-time Hunters (12-17 Years Old) |
| Under 14: |
- Must complete Alberta Conservation and Hunter Education course
|
| 14-17 Years: |
- Must complete the Alberta Conservation and Hunter Education course
- Or, successfully complete the Alberta Hunter Competency exam
|
| General Requirements - Youth Hunters |
| Minimum Age: |
A youth must be at least 12 years old to hunt under the authority of any hunting licence in Alberta. |
| Under 16: |
All hunters under the age of 16 must have written permission from a parent or guardian to purchase hunting licences. |
| 11 Years Old: |
Hunters who are 11 years old may apply in the draws for licences if they meet the above criteria but they must be 12 years old anytime before or during the open season for that draw. You may not hunt until you are 12 years old. |
| Under 18: |
To hunt with a firearm, hunters under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, a legal guardian or a person 18 years of age or older who has the written permission of the parent or legal guardian. |
Get it right! There are many regulations you need to be aware of as a hunter. Always refer to the most recent edition of the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations for full details on hunting regulations in the province.
Federal Firearms Legislation
The Firearms Act requires that individuals wishing to acquire non-restricted firearms must take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and pass the tests or challenge and pass the CFSC tests without taking the course.
Topics covered in the Canadian Firearms Safety Course include:
- The evolution of firearms, major parts, types and actions
- Basic firearms safety practices
- Ammunition
- Operating firearm actions
- Safe handling and carry procedures
- Firing techniques and procedures
- Care of non-restricted firearms
- Responsibilities of the firearms owner/user
- Safe storage, display, transportation and handling of non-restricted firearms
Learn more about the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, including course locations:
Game Identification
Being able to correctly identify game species is essential to following hunting regulations. You can find game identification information on the Alberta Sustainable Resource Development web site and also in the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations:
Respect the Land
Everyone has a stewardship role when it comes to Alberta’s public lands. That’s the basic idea behind the Respect the Land program. Visit the Respect the Land page on Facebook — find out what it respecting the land is all about and enter the community dialogue.